Even as tensions run high between the U.S. and China on Earth, the two rivals are taking their rivalry over 35,000 kilometers into space, keeping a very close eye on each other in Earth’s orbit.
COMSPOC, a private U.S. company that tracks satellites, has said than an American satellite named USA 324 went close to two Chinese satellites on April 26 and 29.
These “fly-bys” happened near TJS-16 and TJS-17 at a distance of 10.5 miles and 7.4 miles, respectively, which is considered very close by satellite standards. It is unclear why USA 324, which is the U.S. Space Force’s satellite, went near the Chinese satellites.
The American satellite is part of a U.S. Space Force program designed to observe activities in geostationary orbit—an area over 22,000 miles above the Earth where numerous critical satellites function.
These satellites do not merely act as passive observers. Instead, they are designed to approach other celestial bodies for closer examination, particularly when something seems unusual or requires additional scrutiny.
Space as new battleground
Such operations are referred to as “Rendezvous and Proximity Operations,” wherein a satellite intentionally approaches another to gain deeper insights into its actions or status—similar to conducting an advanced examination in space.
In the meantime, the two Chinese satellites named TJS-16 and TJS-17 were sent into orbit towards the end of March and beginning of April. According to China, their purpose is to conduct tests on communication technology.
However, those watching from outside of China think these activities might serve extra, hidden objectives—potentially involving satellite monitoring or missions with military ties. This notion has sparked concern among defense and aerospace experts as both countries enhance their capacities well beyond terrestrial limits.
“GSSAP satellites gather space situational awareness information, enabling better tracking and identification of artificial objects in orbit. Positioned at nearly geostationary altitude, they offer an unimpeded and distinctive perspective for observing Resident Space Objects (RSOs),” stated the U.S. Space Force on their site.
Only time will tell if American and Chinese military satellites will continue to conduct closer inspections and observations through their mutual maneuvers in space.
Allies share orbital fears
The near misses follow reports that the
U.S.
reportedly shared sensitive satellite imagery with Five Eyes in order to build a broader alliance against what it sees as the growing threat from China’s space weaponry, which includes laser systems that can blind or damage satellites and high-powered microwave tools capable of knocking them offline.
Colonel Ramsey Horn, a high-ranking officer with the U.S. Space Force, recently traveled to the United Kingdom and stated that China continues to be America’s primary worry regarding space activities. During his visit, he mentioned that a leading British defense representative had toured Colorado to observe the workings of the Space Force’s GSSAP system.
These actions highlight just how seriously the U.S. views Beijing’s swift development in space exploration. As stated by American military authorities, China has increased its number of reconnaissance and monitoring satellites threefold within the last half-decade.
Earlier, General Stephen Whiting — who leads U.S. Space Command — had warned that
China
is developing
anti-satellite weapons
At an astonishing speed, increasing the ante in what appears to be a fresh epoch of strategic rivalry well beyond Earth’s atmosphere.